2021 Honda Civic Problems
What owners have reported about the 2021 Honda Civic, which problems come up most, at what mileage, and which recalls to check.
From NHTSA owner complaints and recalls. Updated Oct 17, 2026.
Is the 2021 Honda Civic a good year?
It's one of the better years for the Civic. Owners have filed 145 complaints with NHTSA, the 16th most of 19 Civic model years. The most reported problems involve the steering, emergency braking system and electrical system.
145 complaints 4 recalls, 1 can stall 16th worst of 19 Civic years
Top 2021 Honda Civic problems
Steering problems
65 complaints (45%) name the steering, most often the electric power assist system.
Emergency braking problems
33 complaints (23%) name the emergency braking system, most often the automatic emergency braking and adaptive cruise control.
Electrical problems
18 complaints (12%) name the electrical system, most often the chime.
Brake problems
18 complaints (12%) name the brakes, most often the master cylinder.
Which parts fail most
Share of complaints that name each system. One complaint can name several.
Mileage when it failed
Each dot is a complaint that gave a mileage (15 of 145). The amber line is the middle value, about 30,000 miles.
When problems were reported
Complaints by the year the problem happened.
2021 Honda Civic recalls
Front passenger
The front passenger seat weight sensor may crack and short circuit, which can cause the air bags to deploy unintentionally during a crash. Air bags that deploy unintentionally during a crash increase the risk of injury.
Fix: Dealers will replace the seat weight sensors, free of charge. Honda's numbers for this recall are BOL, WO9, OOA, WOM, XOH, NOC, POD, BOE, UOF, POB, EOG, AOI, QO8, TOJ, DO7, and SOK.
Recall 26V332000 · May 2026Front passenger
The front passenger seat weight sensor may crack and short circuit, failing to suppress the air bag as intended. An air bag that deploys unintentionally during a crash can increase the risk of injury.
Fix: Dealers will replace the seat weight sensors, free of charge. This is a phased recall.
Recall 24V064000 · Feb 2024Fuel pump
Can stallThe fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail. Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the fuel pump module, free of charge. Honda's numbers for this recall are KGC and KGD.
Recall 23V858000 · Dec 2023Master cylinder
The tie rod fastener that connects the brake booster and the brake master cylinder may have been improperly assembled during manufacturing, which can cause the brake master cylinder to separate from the booster assembly. Brake master cylinder separation can cause a loss of brake function and increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect and repair the brake booster assembly as necessary, free of charge. Honda's numbers for this recall are VEU, AEV, and ZET.
Recall 23V458000 · Jun 2023Get an email when your 2021 Honda Civic gets a new recall
We check NHTSA every month. If a new recall or safety investigation covers the 2021 Honda Civic, you'll hear about it the same week.
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Civic years to avoid
Total NHTSA complaints by model year. Newer years have had less time on the road, so their totals will keep climbing. See the full comparison.
Common questions
Is the 2021 Honda Civic a reliable year?
It's one of the better years for the Civic. Owners have filed 145 complaints with NHTSA, the 16th most of 19 Civic model years. The most reported problems involve the steering, emergency braking system and electrical system.
What are the most common 2021 Honda Civic problems?
Owners most often report problems with the steering, emergency braking system, electrical system and brakes. 65 complaints (45%) name the steering, most often the electric power assist system.
At what mileage do 2021 Honda Civic steering problems start?
Reported mileage ranged widely, but most complaints fell between about 24,000–56,000 miles, with a middle value near 36,000 miles.
How many recalls does the 2021 Honda Civic have?
4. Front passenger (26V332000); Front passenger (24V064000); Fuel pump (23V858000). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if the work was done.
Should I buy a used 2021 Honda Civic?
Ask for service records covering the steering, confirm the recall work was done, and compare with the 2026, 2025 and 2024 models, which have the fewest complaints.
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls databases. Complaints are unverified owner reports. Counts include each complaint once per model year.